Written by the renowned Indian
guru Paramhansa Yogananda, Autobiography
of a Yogi is a book that is known to have touched many lives. The late tech
mogul Steve Jobs was said to have been a huge fan of the book and supposedly
read it once every year. It was apparently the only book he had on his iPad. Jobs
had even arranged for it to be given to all of his friends and family attending
his funeral. Closer home, cricketing superstar Virat Kohli swears by the book
and has even recommended it to his followers on Twitter. For me personally, the
book has had a life-changing effect and has transformed me in ways I find difficult
to explain. It surely has touched the core of my being and has left an
indelible mark on my psyche.
The author, Yogananda, writes
about the various experiences of his life – his encounters with sages and
saints, his bond with his guru Sri Yukteswar Giri, his undying love and
devotion for God and his quest for self-realisation. The book also offers a
glimpse into Yogananda’s life in the U.S. where he spent a little over thirty
years disseminating ancient Indian wisdom.
Autobiography
of a Yogi abounds with stories of Yogananda’s encounters with men and
women with extraordinary abilities. From a saint with two bodies to women who
have forsaken food for good, the book tells stories of various such “miracles”
which make one ponder over the infinite potential that lies untapped in us
humans. From what I understand, the book tries to get the reader to look within
himself and explore all the possibilities that come with being human. We tend
to believe that as humans, we are bound by various limitations – the most
obvious being the physical body. However, by setting out on an inward journey,
with the help of Yoga and meditation, we can not only set ourselves free from
these limitations and reach our full potential but also realise the true nature
of the self.
Another message that the book
tries to put across is that the quest for enlightenment or spiritual
attainments need not remove you from your worldly life. You don’t need to don
saffron robes and head to the Himalayas in order to walk the spiritual path.
Like Lahiri Mahasaya (the guru of Yogananda’s guru), even a householder can
pursue his spiritual goals while at the same time tending to his worldly duties
and responsibilities. You can be in the world, deeply involved in what you do,
yet not be of it. Inner renunciation is what matters.
Autobiography
of a Yogi is unusual and unique and makes for an interesting read. In
my opinion, everybody should get their hands on this book and read it from
cover to cover at least once. Even those of you who do not consider yourselves
spiritually inclined should give it a shot. If you have an open mind and are
willing to look at life from a different perspective, you will find that
reading this book will become an experience of a lifetime.
